Larry D. VanZandt, age 91, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Centralia Manor.
Larry was born in Centralia, November 22, 1934, to Roy and Ethel (Dodillet) VanZandt. He married Geraldine Eller on June 18, 1954, and she preceded him in death on June 10, 2018.
Larry is survived by his son: Kevin VanZandt and wife Tina (Helpingstine) of Centralia, two granddaughters: Kari Nierman and husband Allen of Highland and Carly Thompson and husband Dallas of Fairview Heights, great grandchildren: Levi, Jase and Tanner Nierman of Highland and Maeve Thompson of Fairview Heights; brother-in-law: Robert Eller and wife Jackie of Phoenix, Arizona; along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son: Kirby VanZandt, sister: Judy Christian and husband Cliff, and brother-in-law: Chet Eller.
Larry was a lifelong member of Centralia First United Methodist Church. He was the owner of VanZandt Trucking Service from 1969 to 2000. Before taking over the trucking business from his father, Roy, he was a welder, an over-the-road driver, and also worked for Gordon Transport Company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with friends, playing games, and traveling. He especially loved spending time with his Family. He will be sadly missed.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Don Shaffer officiating. Larry will be laid to rest next to his wife at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held on Friday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital. They will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618) 532-32523, who is honored to be of service to Larry’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
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